Lasting Powers of Attorney

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Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors

Expert Lasting Power of Attorney Services in Kidderminster & Stourport

Nobody plans to lose the ability to manage their own affairs, but illness, injury and age can all take that choice away without warning. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you decide, while you’re still able to, exactly who steps in to manage your money, your property and your care if you ever can’t do it yourself.

At Painters Law LLP, our specialist lasting power of attorney solicitors have been helping families across Kidderminster, Stourport and the wider West Midlands protect their wishes for over 70 years. We’ll guide you through the whole process in plain English, so you know exactly what you’re signing and why.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legally binding document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to make them yourself. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney, and most people need both:

  1. LPA for Property and Financial Affairs – lets your attorney manage your bank accounts, pay bills, handle investments and deal with property transactions on your behalf.
  2. LPA for Health and Welfare – lets your attorney make decisions about your medical care, daily routine and living arrangements, including consenting to or refusing life-sustaining treatment.

It’s a common myth that Power of Attorney is only for older people. Strokes, accidents and sudden illness can affect anyone at any age, which is exactly why putting an LPA in place now, while you’re fit and well, is one of the simplest ways to protect your family from difficult decisions later.

Do You Need a Solicitor for a Lasting Power of Attorney?

You’re not legally required to use a solicitor to set up an LPA, but the forms are notoriously easy to get wrong, and a single mistake can see your application rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian, adding months to the process.

A solicitor adds real value where it matters most:

  • Making sure the right powers and restrictions are set out clearly, so your attorney can actually act when needed
  • Avoiding the drafting errors that cause rejections and delays
  • Advising on who to appoint, and how attorneys should act if you name more than one
  • Handling the registration process from start to finish, so nothing gets missed

If your circumstances are straightforward, a DIY LPA might work. But for most people, particularly business owners, those with property, or blended families, professional advice pays for itself many times over.

How Much Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost?

Cost is one of the questions we’re asked most, and it’s a fair one to ask before you commit. An LPA involves two separate costs:

  • The Office of the Public Guardian registration fee, which is a fixed government charge (with reductions available for those on certain benefits or low income)
  • Solicitor’s fees, which cover drafting, advice and guidance through registration

Painters Law offers clear, upfront pricing with no hidden extras, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before you start. Visit our fees page for a full breakdown, or get in touch for a tailored quote based on your situation.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney?

If you lose capacity without an LPA in place, your family can’t simply step in. Instead, they’ll need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, a process that is typically slower, more expensive and more stressful than setting up an LPA in advance. In the meantime:

  • Bank accounts may be frozen, making it difficult to pay bills or care home fees
  • Property transactions and financial decisions can grind to a halt
  • The court, not your family, decides who is appointed, and it may not be who you would have chosen
  • Medical decisions may be made without your prior wishes being taken into account

We regularly support families through Court of Protection applications, but an LPA prepared today avoids the need for one altogether.

Power of Attorney for Business Owners

If you run a business, an LPA isn’t just personal protection; it’s business continuity planning. If you were suddenly unable to work, who would sign off payroll, manage supplier contracts or make key financial decisions? Without an LPA, your business can stall at exactly the moment it needs stability most.

Our team can help you appoint the right person to keep your business running smoothly, with powers tailored specifically to your commercial interests.

Lasting Power of Attorney vs Living Will: What’s the Difference?

These two documents are often confused, but they serve different purposes:

  • Power of Attorney – appoints a person to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf
  • Living Will (Advance Decision) – sets out your own wishes about specific medical treatments in advance, so your views are followed even if you can’t communicate them at the time

Many people benefit from having both in place, giving a complete picture of who decides and what you’d want them to decide.

Why Choose Painters Law for Your Power of Attorney Solicitors

  • 70+ years of experience supporting families across Worcestershire with wills, probate and later-life planning
  • Clear, jargon-free advice from a dedicated Wills & Probate team
  • Local offices in Kidderminster and Stourport, with the option of home visits where needed
  • Support with Court of Protection applications if an LPA wasn’t set up in time
  • 5-star client reviews built on decades of trusted local service

Speak to Our Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors Today

Protecting your future starts with a conversation. Whether you’re setting up your first LPA, reviewing an existing one, or supporting a family member through the Court of Protection, our specialist team in Kidderminster and Stourport is here to help.

Kidderminster: 01562 822 295
Stourport:
01299 822 033
Contact us online and we’ll be in touch to arrange your free initial discussion.

Meet the team

Your specialists.

John Kane
Chief Operating Officer
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Yvonne Nordass
Solicitor
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

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What is lasting power of attorney?

LPA allows someone to make decisions on your behalf. Painters Law can help set this up.

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What is a lasting power of attorney?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) enables someone to make decisions about your health, welfare, or finances if you lose capacity. It must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. We can guide you through setting up an LPA.

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What is a power of attorney and how do I set one up?

A power of attorney allows a designated person to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. Setting one up involves completing and registering forms with the Office of the Public Guardian. Painters Law offers full support in drafting and registering power of attorney documents.

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